Diggle News has now become part of inSaddleworth
We’ve still got all the same Diggle News stories, all the great photos, but now also have all the extra features of inSaddleworth like Notices, News, Business Directory, Events and Galleries
Dry-stone Walling Courses in Saddleworth
Dry-stone Walling Association (DSWA) Keeping dry-stone walling alive in Saddleworth
For a gift that will last for years why not treat someone to a 2 day dry-stone walling course for only £75
DSWA have been running courses for over 20 years and provide instruction for both individuals and local authorities.
Dry-stone walling instructor, Chris Bolshaw says, “We are proud of our courses and we hope trainees learn a lot from them.”
- Instruction is by qualified and experienced DSWA instructors
- Lots of help from experienced branch members
- Lovely sites to work at that have been specially prepared for trainees
- Insurance with NFU Mutual
- Provision of gloves and all tools and equipment
- A simple clean toilet on site
- Relevant written material to take away and read at leisure
- Course content which has been carefully thought out
- A friendly, relaxed working atmosphere with time to discuss issues and have a joke
- A tangible result in the shape of a real wall which will stand for many years to come
- Progression if trainees want to do more
Courses in 2018 run by DSWA Lancashire Branch
17/18 March – Dobcross
21/22 April – Dobcross
18/19 August – Gorse Hall, Stalybridge
20/21 October – Dobcross
To order gift vouchers please call Paul Clayton on 07733 103 500 or email lancashire.dswa@btinternet.com
Further information is available on our website:- www.lancashirebranchdswa.org.uk
DSWA Lancashire Branch is a registered charity and our proceeds are distributed locally throughout Saddleworth to preserve and enhance the dry stone walls that so many take for granted.
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2018
Robin (Photo: Neil Kennedy)
Count the wildlife that’s counting on you in Greater Manchester
Thousands of people across Greater Manchester are expected to watch and count their garden birds for the upcoming RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2018.
The world’s largest garden wildlife survey, now in its 39th year, takes place on 27, 28 and 29 January 2018. The public are asked to spend just one hour watching and recording the birds in their garden or local green space, then send their results to the RSPB.
Close to half-a-million people joined in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey in 2017, including over 12,200 in Greater Manchester, counting more than eight million birds and providing valuable information about the wildlife using our gardens in winter. The house sparrow remained top of the Big Garden Birdwatch rankings in the county, with blackbird and starling rounding off the top three.
To help prepare for Big Garden Birdwatch 2018, there are events on offer around Greater Manchester this January – from discovering how to attract more wildlife into your garden to gaining tips on how to identify the creatures that live on your doorstep.
On Saturday 27 January, RSPB staff will be on hand at Clifton Country Park in Salford and Heaton Park in Manchester with tips on taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch and advice on attracting garden wildlife. Drop-in 10am-3pm.
At Fletcher Moss in Didsbury, visitors can take part in a Big Garden Birdwatch as well as making bird feeders and other nature-themed activities, so the RSPB are encouraging families to come along and get involved. Drop-in 10am-3pm on Saturday 27 January.
On Sunday 28 January, meet RSPB staff at Chorlton Water Park in Chorlton to join in with a Big Garden Birdwatch, bird feeder making and other nature-themed activities. Drop-in 10am-3pm.
Daniel Hayhow, RSPB Conservation Scientist said: “The birds we see in our garden are often the first experience we have with nature – whether it’s a flock of starlings at the feeder, a robin perched on the fence or some house sparrows splashing in the bird bath. But it may come as a surprise to know that some of our most-loved species are in desperate need of our help as their numbers have dropped dramatically.
Species such as starlings and greenfinches have seen their numbers visiting gardens decline by 79 and 59 per cent retrospectively since the first Birdwatch in 1979.
Daniel added: “The Big Garden Birdwatch is a great opportunity to get involved with helping our garden wildlife. By counting the birds that visit your outdoor space, you’ll be joining a team of over half-a-million people across the UK who are making a difference for nature. It only takes an hour so grab a cuppa, sit back and see who makes a flying visit to your garden.”
As well as counting birds, the RSPB is once again asking participants to log some of the other wildlife they have seen throughout the year. This year, people are being asked to look out for badger, fox, grey squirrel, red squirrel, muntjac deer, roe deer, frog and toad.
To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2018, participants should watch the birds in the garden or local park for one hour at some point over the three days. Only the birds that land in the garden or local park should be counted, not those flying over. The highest number of each type of bird seen at any one time then needs to be sent to the RSPB.
The parallel event, Big Schools’ Birdwatch takes place during the first half of spring term next year, 2 January-23 February 2018. Further information can be found at rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch
For a free Big Garden Birdwatch pack, which includes a bird identification chart, plus RSPB shop voucher and advice to help attract garden wildlife, text BIRD to 70030 or visit rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
- This table shows the top 10 birds seen in Greater Manchester gardens in 2017:
| Species | Average number per garden | Rank | % gardens seen |
| House sparrow | 3.4 | 1 | 62.2 |
| Blackbird | 2.5 | 2 | 90.7 |
| Starling | 2.4 | 3 | 37.7 |
| Blue tit | 2.4 | 4 | 79.5 |
| Woodpigeon | 2.1 | 5 | 78.6 |
| Magpie | 1.8 | 6 | 70.7 |
| Goldfinch | 1.5 | 7 | 31.4 |
| Robin | 1.4 | 8 | 85.1 |
| Great tit | 1.4 | 9 | 57.8 |
| Long tailed tit | 1.1 | 10 | 30.2 |
OBE for Ex-Oldham Mayor Cllr John Hudson
Oldham Council is sending its congratulations to Councillor John Hudson who has been made an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s New Year Honours List.
The Saddleworth South member has served the local community in a wide range of capacities for more than 40 years and he is honoured for his public, political and charitable services in the list officially published at 22.30hrs on December 29.
Cllr Hudson – who celebrated his 78th birthday on Christmas Eve – highlights the contributions other people have made to enable him to make his mark on local life. “I realise that I am only a flag bearer – you can’t do public service unless you are backed by the public,” he said. “My wife, Kathleen, my family and the people of Saddleworth and at all kinds of local organisations and group are the ones who really deserve an award. I simply couldn’t have done any of the things that I have without their support and understanding, so the praise goes to them.
“I thought I was too old for this sort of thing to be honest, so I was very shocked when I found out about it and checked it was right. There have been many people who have made fantastic contributions to Saddleworth and Oldham and have gone without recognition like this, so for me to be given an OBE at this time in life is humbling. I’m amazed that an ordinary person like me has got this award. We are blessed to live in a wonderful place here, so I hope this news brightens everybody’s day and they know this award is for them, not me.”
John was born in Mossley and worked at Joseph Clare’s Dyeworks in Greenfield during the 1950s. It was there that he met his wife to be, Kathleen, before moving to Greenfield when they married in 1960. John worked in local government at Mossley, Audenshaw and Trafford Councils before managerial roles at Littlewoods, based at Earl Mill in Hathershaw.
He first entered local politics in 1971, initially standing as a Labour councillor. After a six-year break he switched to the Conservative Party and – in 1977 – was first elected as a Saddleworth Parish councillor: a position he holds to this day. John was also elected as representative for the former Saddleworth East ward on Oldham Council from 2002 to 2006. From 2008 he then served as a Chadderton Central ward member before coming back to represent Saddleworth South from 2012 onwards. He was also the agent for Geoffrey Dickens, the former MP for the (then) Littleborough and Saddleworth seat and stood in the high-profile three-way marginal by-election following Mr Dickens’ death in 1995.
John was elected to the office of the Mayor of Oldham for the municipal year 2013/4 and – accompanied by Kathleen as Mayoress – they put in a staggering amount of energy and time into hosting visits, attending local schools and engagements. They raised a total of £50,468 for local charities and good causes, impressing everyone they met as ambassadors for the borough. Beneficiaries of that year included the Terence O’Grady Social Club, Christie’s at Oldham, Oldham Music Centre, Oldham Support Group for Carers in Autism, Oldham Theatre Workshop and the Oldham Liaison of Ex-Servicemen Fund.
John has two daughters, Claire and Deborah, and one granddaughter, Courtney. Earlier this year he received a special honour to mark 40 years’ continuous service on Saddleworth Parish Council. This has seen four spells as Chairman and is an unbeaten record for continuous service. During this time he has also raised a further £59,500 for the Chairman’s charities. This remarkable feat was marked at the Civic Hall in Uppermill in April this year. The upstairs ballroom was renamed ‘The Hudson Suite’ in his honour with an engraved plaque and a framed dedication. A citation to his long service was also hung in the Council Chamber.
OLDHAM COUNCIL STAFF DONATE 415 CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO LOCAL CHILDREN
Oldham Council workers have once again embraced the season of goodwill by donating 415 presents to local young people who might otherwise receive nothing.
For many of us Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year but to some young people in Oldham it could be just any other day. Sadly, not every child gets a visit from Santa at Christmas but thankfully there’s a team of elves at Oldham Council who donate and wrap gifts for those who don’t have any others to open.
The Operation Christmas Child campaign sees council staff donate a gift which is then given to a local child or young person who is in need. The initiative is a real team effort every year with staff across all Oldham Council departments coming together to put a smile of the face of those who need it the most. Those taking part are given a tag with a first name, age and gender on it. They then buy a gift for their young person. A team of Oldham Council volunteers then wrap the gifts and make sure the young people receive them in time for Christmas.
Cllr Jenny Harrison, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding, said: “It goes without saying that thanks go to all those who have carefully selected and donated a gift.
“Some of our young people wouldn’t receive a single gift on Christmas Day if it wasn’t for the kindness of colleagues within the council and partners. May I thank our officers who organised the appeal and other staff for their kindness. On Christmas Day, those involved will have brought a smile to the face of a child in difficult circumstances.”
“Engines off at school gates!” urges Greater Manchester Mayor in clean air drive
TfGM Anti-idling campaign at Leigh County Primary School
Mayor Andy Burnham has called on Greater Manchester’s drivers to help tackle deadly air pollution by turning their car engines off at the school gates.
Pupils and teachers at Leigh Central Primary School helped raise awareness of the health dangers of keeping the engine running when parked up, which is a particular problem on the school run.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has launched a campaign to tackle some of the common myths about leaving vehicle engines ticking over. A recent study revealed that switching off the engine when at a standstill could help reduce air pollution during peak travel hours by as much as 30%. The harmful fumes pumped out by many vehicles don’t just affect people outside the vehicle – drivers and their passengers are exposed as well.
Hundreds of roadside signs will be supported by a webpage, advertising and social media campaign to drive the ‘Engine off when you stop’ message home – including the misconception that stopping and starting the engine wastes fuel.
Andy Burnham said: “If we could see the invisible exhaust fumes we all breathe in every day, I’m sure we’d be horrified. Air pollution is an invisible menace and one which our young people are particularly vulnerable to. That’s why I’m calling on those of us who make the school run to switch their engines off when parked near the school gates.
“Leaving your engine ticking over is something we’re all guilty of. You might worry it’s a waste of fuel to restart the engine, or that your car heating will run cold if you switch off. In fact, leaving the engine running wastes more fuel – every two minutes ticking over is the fuel equivalent of driving a mile. Air pollution is one of the most important challenges currently facing us all. It makes financial sense, environmental sense and good health sense to switch off and I hope this campaign drives that important message home.”
Greater Manchester’s lead for environmental issues and climate change, Councillor Alex Ganotis, added: “This campaign will help shine a light on a persistent problem in Greater Manchester. Switching off engines at the school gates will not only help to protect our young people but lead to real improvements in air quality in our region.”
Andy visited Leigh Central Primary School earlier in the year on Greater Manchester’s first Clean Air Day (Thursday 15 June), when he watched a video Year Six pupils made to raise awareness of the environmental issue.
Richard Houghton, Deputy Headteacher at Leigh Central Primary School, said: “We were very fortunate to be part of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Day Campaign last June which gave us a platform to raise awareness of the air quality around school.
“It’s great that the latest campaign has been launched from Leigh Central and we hope that this important message can be spread further so that our children’s health, and the environment, can benefit from better air quality. If everyone can make one simple change and switch of their engines when stationary, this can collectively make a big difference!”
Vehicle exhausts can produce harmful gases – and tiny particles of soot and other matter – that pollute the air and are linked to increases in asthma, allergies, heart and lung disease and cancer. It is estimated that air pollution contributes to the premature deaths of up to 2,000 people in Greater Manchester each year. The region has been in breach of its legal limits for nitrogen dioxide, one of the most harmful pollutants, every year since 2011.
Air quality is improving as TfGM, local councils and other partners are busy implementing the policies and measures in Greater Manchester’s Low Emission Strategy and Air Quality Action Plan, but much more needs to be done.
Find out how to help clean up Greater Manchester’s air at www.tfgm.com/air.
Saddleworth Group of Artists Annual Winter Exhibition 2017
Artist: Ron Etherington. Medium – oil
Saddleworth Group of Artists Annual Winter Exhibition 2017 From Saturday 9th December – Sunday 14th January at Saddleworth Museum. Uppermill. Oldham.
Well known local artists will again be exhibiting their work. Always a popular show, especially in the run up to Christmas, the exhibition will be comprised of around fifty works, with styles ranging from photo realism to expressionistic. Most paintings will be on sale.
The group, founded in 1950 by water colourist Ellis Shaw and friends, is currently comprised of approximately sixty enthusiastic members. Some are full time professionals but all are seriously committed to their work. The SGA is a dynamic organisation, full of ideas to encourage interest and bring art to the public view. The group welcomes applications for membership or offers of new exhibition spaces.
So why not call in and take a look at the recently refurbished Saddleworth Museum and possibly find that very special and unique Christmas present amongst the art works on display.
Check out our website – www.saddleworthartists.co.uk.
Saddleworth Museum, High St, Uppermill, OL36HS Tel. 01457874093.
Entry to the exhibition gallery is free
Diggle’s VIPs Turn on Christmas Lights
Competition winners: Cara Hamilton, Millie Tomlin and Jack Ellis
Diggle’s very important pupils (VIPs), winners of the Christmas art and writing competition organised by the Diggle Community Association, turned on the village Christmas lights on Sunday 3rd December following the annual carol singing and procession through the village. (See here)
Before walking with Diggle Band from the Band Club to the Christmas tree site at Warf Mill local residents, parents and children were treated to a fabulous ensemble of carols by the Diggle School Infant choir who with their actions and songs totally captured the hearts of everybody watching.
Rev. Duncan Rhodes led the Christingle service at Wharf Mill and following the switch-on of the Christmas tree lights, Diggle Band led the procession on to further celebrations at The Gate.
Special thanks go to Diggle School, the Diggle Community Association, Diggle Band and Band Club, Cllr. Nikki Kirkham, Rev. Duncan Rhodes, The Gate and everyone who helped on the day. This year’s event raised over £100 in support of the Children’s Society.
Diggle’s Christmas Competition Winners
Jack Ellis, Key Stage 1
There has been a great response to the annual Diggle Community Association (DCA) Christmas competition from the pupils at Diggle Primary School. The standard of writing and drawing has been exceptional and, for the DCA judges, it has been extremely difficult choosing the winners.
The joint winners from Key Stage 1 are – Jack Ellis for his hilarious picture of Santa hanging on for grim death, to his sleigh, as the reindeer rush to their next delivery and Cara Hamilton for her picture of the tree site with Diggle Band accompanying the Carol singing.
The winner from Key Stage 2 is – Millie Tomlin who wrote a beautifully crafted and entertaining poem about how Santa’s Christmas goes disastrously wrong and is saved in the nick of time by some quick thinking Diggle children.
On Sunday 3rd December (see Diggle Lights Switch-On), Jack, Cara and Millie will be invited, as guests of honour, to switch Diggle’s Christmas lights on.
Millie Tomlin, Key Stage 2
Millie Tomlin, Key Stage 2
IS YOUR BIN COLLECTION DAY CHANGING OVER CHRISTMAS?
Oldham Council is informing residents that some bin collection dates will change over the Christmas period.
This year there will be no bin collections on Christmas Day (Monday, December 25). Instead put out the bin that would have been due to be collected on that day – plus your green bin/food caddy – on Saturday, December 30.
There will also be no bin collections on Boxing Day (Tuesday, December 26). If that is your usual collection day then this year there will be an earlier collection for you on Saturday, December 23. Remember to also put out your green bin/food caddy.
There will be no bin collections on Monday, January 1 (New Year’s Day). If your collection date should have been on New Year’s Day put out the bin that would have been due on this date, plus your green bin/food caddy, on Saturday, January 6.
Your green bin/food caddy will also be collected as normal on Monday, January 8.
If you are unsure which bin would have been due, please check your collection calendar or use the online post code checker at www.oldham.gov.uk/waste If your collection day doesn’t fall on any of the above dates then simply put your bins out as usual.
Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, said: “Due to the way Christmas falls this year we’ve had to make a few changes to bin collection dates, so we’ve tried to make it as easy as possible. Over the coming weeks we’ll be delivering leaflets to households in the areas affected and we’ll also be sending out reminders via our social media channels. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the arrangements so you know when to put your bins out for collection.”
After the festive period you can help dispose of your Christmas tree in a number of ways. You can put it in your green bin – just chop it into small pieces, remove the wooden block from the base of the tree as this is too big to be composted and take off any lights and decorations.
Alternatively, take it to your local tip or to one of the following recycling ‘drop off’ points from December 28 until January 17:
- Higher Memorial Park (car park), Joseph Street, Failsworth (open dawn until dusk)
- Royton Park (car park) off Bleasdale Street, Royton. Anytime access
- Werneth Park (car park) off Frederick Street, Werneth (open dawn until dusk)
- Churchill Playing Fields (car park), Wellington Road, Greenfield. Anytime access.
You can also help Dr Kershaw’s Hospice as volunteers will be collecting trees over the weekend of the 13 and 14 January as a donation to the hospice. Just register online at www.xmastreecollection.com or call them on 0161 624 9984.
All your Christmas cards, wrapping paper and cardboard packaging can be recycled using your blue bins or recycling bags.
If you have things that are too big to fit in your bin, you can:
- Take them to Arkwright Street Waste and Recycling Centre, Oldham, OL9 9LZ – for free. Or to find your nearest tip, visit www.recycle4greatermanchester.com
- Arrange for them to be collected by us. It is just £18.20 for your first three items and £8.20 for each additional item. To book a collection call us on 0161 770 6644.
Visit www.oldham.gov.uk for more ideas about where you can donate, swap or sell them.
All additional rubbish or recycling over Christmas can also be taken to Arkwright Street Waste and Recycling Centre.
Cllr Brownridge added: “Recycling rates are up in Oldham thanks to the efforts of residents. If we all do our bit then we can raise this even higher and save money on disposal costs at the same time.”
Diggle’s Christmas Lights Switch-On
Join us on Sunday 3rd December from 3:15pm at Diggle Band Club for Carols, mulled wine, minced pies and Diggle’s Christmas Lights switch-on.
OLDHAM POLICE OFFICERS RECEIVE AWARD FOR ACTIONS ‘ABOVE AND BEYOND’ DUTY DURING LOCAL FLOODING
Officers from Greater Manchester Police have been presented with awards for their actions whilst on duty during a night of severe flooding in 2016.
The officers, from the forces Oldham District, were unanimously voted winners of the Government & Public Sector Journal’s ‘Above & Beyond’ Awards by an independent awards panel for their actions that night.
The flooding, in Saddleworth near Oldham, caused extensive damage to many homes and businesses in the area as well as major disruption transport and local services.
The GMP officers worked throughout the night helping residents with a major clean-up operation, sometimes using their bare hands as well as brushes and shovels to remove huge amounts of debris. The officers also assisted homeowners by moving their furniture and other personal items to safety.
The certificates were presented by Bryn Hughes, father of PC Nicola Hughes who was killed on duty in Manchester, and Chief Superintendent Neil Evans.
The award winners were Sgt 2282 Toby Knight, PC 15570 Liam Rasch (no longer with GMP), PC 15361 Blair Patterson, PC 1315 Jordan Heaton, PC 15355 Julian Maynard, PC 15574 Donna Youngjohns, PC 15677 Mark Foster, PCSO 66103 Lee Lockwood and PCSO 62643 Wayne Turley.
Speaking after the awards ceremony in Oldham on Wednesday 8 November, Chief Superintendent Neil Evans said: “Sometimes police officers come in for criticism for various reasons, but as seen here with the GPSJ awards today the work they do for the community is truly amazing.
“In this case the police officers and PCSOs have shown just how much they care and have definitely surpassed what was required of them on the night.
“It’s also good to see these types of awards that recognise these actions that are above and beyond duty, I congratulate all those involved.”
Bryn Hughes said: “I am proud to be giving these awards out today and I know Nicola would also be the first to commend these officers actions, such a well-deserved award.”
The GPSJ awards are judged on merit by an independent panel of journalists, broadcasters and politicians, the panel members are; Andy Carter, Cleland Thom, Debbie Abrahams MP, Donal MacIntyre, John Stapleton, Nigel Pivaro and Steve Nolan.
The presentation was made at the Odeon Cinema in The Old Town Hall, Parliament Square, Oldham.
Saddleworth and Lees Christmas Lights Switch-Ons 2017
Christmas Lights Switch-Ons 2017
Greenfield – Saturday 25 Nov 7.00pm
Springhead – Friday 1 Dec 6.00pm
Uppermill – Saturday 2 Dec 4.00pm
Lees – Saturday 2 Dec 4.30pm
Delph – Saturday 2 Dec 5.30pm
Grotton – Sunday 3 Dec 6.30pm
Diggle – Sunday 3 Dec 4.30pm
Denshaw – Sunday 3 Dec 6.00pm
Lydgate – Thursday 7 Dec 6.00pm
Remembrance Services Around the Borough
Remembrance Sunday services will be taking place at venues across the borough, held in conjunction with branches of the Royal British Legion.
Residents, uniformed services and representatives of all organisations are encouraged to attend the services and there will also be opportunities to place wreaths on the memorials.
Councillor Cath Ball, Deputy Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives, with a special responsibility for remembrance services, said:
“Our residents have the deepest respect for those men and women who have given their lives for peace, security and freedom. I hope as many people as possible will take the time to reflect and attend a local service. Please also support the Royal British Legion’s annual campaign and wear a poppy with pride.”
The council’s website – www.oldham.gov.uk/remembrance – features an online ‘Roll of Honour’ containing the names of the many borough residents who lost their lives serving their country from the First World War onwards.
The Oldham Remembers website is being kept up-to-date with stories, names of soldiers who fought in the war and images of Oldham’s past. It aims to bring people from across the borough together online in remembrance and can be found at www.oldhamremembers.org.uk A toolkit, events guide and a resources page is available on the site so residents can research their own family histories.
Email oldhamremembers@oldham.gov.uk if you have any information you would like to see on the website.
Oldham Remembers will be honouring Victoria Cross recipient Private Walter Mills VC on Monday 11 December with a Service of Dedication and unveiling of a Memorial Stone. The service will take place from 11am in Oldham Parish Church followed by the unveiling of the Memorial Stone in the church grounds.
Remembrance Sunday Services, in conjunction with Branches of the Royal British Legion, will be held as follows:
OLDHAM
War Memorial, opposite Old Town Hall commencing at 10.50am. A procession will assemble at New Radcliffe Street at 10.20am and proceed to the War Memorial at 10.30am. All ex-service and civilian organisations are invited to accompany the Mayor. Crosses may be placed in the field of remembrance adjoining the War Memorial.
CHADDERTON
War Memorial in the Old Town Hall Gardens, Middleton Road, commencing at 10.55am. A procession will assemble at the Chadderton Reform Club, Middleton Road, Chadderton at 10.00am and proceed to the War Memorial at 10.30am.
CROMPTON
War Memorial commencing at 10.55am. A procession will assemble at the Royal British Legion Club, Newtown Street, Shaw, at 10.30am proceeding to the War Memorial at 10.40am.
FAILSWORTH
War Memorial, Oldham Road, commencing at 10.55am. The parade will assemble at the Failsworth Health Centre at 10.10am proceeding to the War Memorial at 10.30am prompt.
LEES
War Memorial commencing at 10.55am. A procession will assemble in Thomas Street at 10.10am prior to proceeding to the War Memorial.
ROYTON
Royton Park commencing at 10.55am. Uniformed services to assemble at rear of the Co-op, on the car park off Radcliffe Street at 10.30am prompt. March off at 10.40 am to the Memorial at Royton Park. March past Royton Town Hall afterwards.
SADDLEWORTH
St Chad’s Memorial, Uppermill, on Monday 6 November 2017, commencing at 7.15pm and at the Pots and Pans Memorial on Sunday 12 November 2017 at 10.55am.
Commuters warned of two days of strike disruption
Commuters and travellers in Greater Manchester should allow more time for their journeys next week with bus and rail staff set to take industrial action.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has prepared travel advice ahead of the strike action which is planned for Monday 6 and Wednesday 8 November.
Areas and services set to be affected include:
- On Monday: First Bus services operating from the Rusholme depot
- On Monday and Wednesday: Arriva North West bus services in Bolton and Trafford
- On Wednesday: Northern Rail (Arriva Rail North) services.
No Northern Rail services will run before 7am and after 7pm on Wednesday and there will be a reduced service between these times. The majority of Arriva North West bus services are also not expected to run. The First Bus strike is not expected to have a significant impact as it only affects a small number of services.
For more information about the industrial action please visit:
Alternative rail routes and roads and the Metrolink are expected to be busier on affected days as passengers change their journeys, particularly in the morning and evening peaks.
TfGM’s Events and Operational Co-ordination Manager, Ryan Carter, said: “We are taking action to reduce disruption to the transport network as best we can, but we know it will still be very busy.
“Our advice is to plan ahead now. Can you travel at a different time, or does your boss allow you to work from home? Can you get into work a different way – by bus, tram, bike or foot? It could not only get you from A to B faster but help other people who simply don’t have a choice.
“We will be working hard on the affected days to monitor the situation and will be doing everything we can to keep Greater Manchester moving including having as many Metrolink trams in service as possible.”
TfGM has taken action locally to help people who have to travel on the days of the strike, including;
- Ensuring as many Metrolink trams as possible will be in service
- Deploying additional staff on Metrolink and at key bus stations to help commuters
- Publicising various park and ride sites to allow customers to complete their journeys by different transport options
- Working with bus and other train operators to maximise capacity across the network, particularly on the busiest commuter corridors
- Enhanced monitoring at its network control centre so traffic flows can be optimised by altering signal timing
- Working with local highway authorities to temporarily suspend roadworks where possible on the region’s main commuter routes.
For information on public transport across Greater Manchester visit www.tfgm.com, call 0161 244 1000 (7am-8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm at weekends and bank holidays) or follow @OfficialTfGM on Twitter.
SCHOOL PUPILS ARE ‘SNOW’ JOKE WHEN IT COMES TO PICKING GRITTER NAMES
Oldham Council have been snowed under with entries for their ‘Name a Gritter’ competition and now are ready to reveal the winners.
Recently they asked school children from across the borough to show ‘true grit’ and come up with fitting names for the seven new additions to their gritting fleet.
After a ‘snow’ start the number of entries snowballed by the day and they eventually ended up with dozens to choose from including Super Salty, Salty Gritty, Gritinho and Bear Gritter.
The ‘magnificent seven’s’ names – including a few famous ones – can now be revealed for the first time.
The winning names, along with the young people who came up with them, are: Winston Chur-chill (Evie and Alice Hobson); Brad Grit (Heidi Malinowski); Gritiana Grande (Eryn Middleton); Snowbee One Kenobi (Frederic Oldham); Nick Gritshaw (Sam Caunce); Leonardo de-ice-io (Nicole Delaney) and Basil Salty (Adam Saville).
The gritters have now been branded with the winning names on the front of the cabs and as soon as the cold weather starts residents will be able to look out for the vehicles as they travel around the borough spreading grit and salt.
They will now join Nicole Saltslinger – a favourite with residents and the ‘gritterarati’ – helping to keep Oldham’s roads free of ice and snow.
Councillor Fida Hussain, Cabinet Member for Environment Services, said: “We’d like to thank these seven youngsters for coming up with such great names.
“We’re delighted with how well the competition took off and it’s been really well received. As in the past it was intended as a bit of fun and it has really captured the imagination of our young people – including every member of one school class entering.
“From our opening tweet and Facebook post more than 45,000 people engaged with us in one way or another.
“Here in Oldham we’re usually hit quite hard when the snow and ice begins but we have an excellent team who work tirelessly to keep the roads clear 
and the borough moving.
“Our gritters play a vital role in that so we can have a bit of fun running competitions like this whilst teaching young people about road safety.”
To keep residents fully informed of any developments the Oldham Council website – http://www.oldham.gov.uk/winter – will be updated continually and feature the latest news on school closures, gritting routes, locations of grit bins and grit sales.
The First Response service will use its Twitter account @oldhamalert to inform followers of school and road closures or incidents.
These will also be retweeted for residents using the Council¹s account @oldhamcouncil and updates will appear via the local media.
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Plan ahead to avoid any unexpected travel spooks this weekend
Commuters are being advised to plan their journeys to avoid any scares ahead of a busy weekend of sporting and spooky events taking place as Greater Manchester celebrates Halloween.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has been working hard to help those travelling into the city centre and areas of Trafford to make their journeys as easy and as stress free as possible.
A travel advice page is available to help commuters with their travel plans.
As well as Manchester United hosting Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, large crowds are expected for Halloweekend, taking place across the city. A Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest event takes place at the Etihad on Saturday and heavy metal legends Metallica play the Manchester Arena on Saturday evening.
The size and locations of the events mean that public transport and the road network in the region will be busier than normal.
There are also some changes to Metrolink services on both days, affecting the Bury, Rochdale and Manchester Airport lines.
There will also be no direct trains running from Manchester Piccadilly to Leeds over the course of the weekend due to Network Rail improvement works.
TfGM’s Transport and Event Planning Lead, John Fryer, said: “We want everyone coming in to the region for these events to have a fantastic time. We have the skills, expertise and experience to manage these large scale events and have a thorough and detailed plan.
“However, we are expecting large numbers of customers to travel and our advice is to plan ahead, think about your travel options and allow extra time for journeys.
“Whether you’re flying in on the Witch Way or travelling in the midnight hour, there’s nothing scary about travelling this weekend and our plans mean there’ll be no gremlins across the network.”
For information on public transport across Greater Manchester visit www.tfgm.com, call 0161 244 1000 (7am-8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm at weekends and bank holidays) or follow @OfficialTfGM on Twitter.
New Sunday Bus service for Saddleworth
In September a new Sunday bus service was introduced to Saddleworth – the 355. This new service replaces the Sunday 353/354 service. The 354 bus only ran from Ashton to Uppermill on Sundays meaning that residents of Dobcross, Delph and Denshaw were not able to use that service on Sundays.
The 355 provides a direct link running from Denshaw through to Ashton. Running every two hours, the bus connects Denshaw, Dobcross and Delph. These villages previously had no Sunday service to Ashton and Denshaw had no Sunday service at all that connected with other parts of Saddleworth.
This service is part of the work Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) are doing following the Saddleworth Transport Survey carried out last year. Other projects are currently being worked on that may be introduced in the future.
The 355 is designed to provide a bus service and bus links that are not currently served, allowing direct journeys to people in Denshaw who otherwise would not have a direct bus to Ashton or any bus to Saddleworth. Furthermore it provides another option to people wanting to go to and from Delph and Dobcross on Sundays.
The 353 and 354 are still running on Monday – Saturdays and the 355 provides a Sunday service that covers all the areas covered previously on Sundays as well as Denshaw.
THE BIG BANG IS BACK – OLDHAM’S CIVIC BONFIRE PROMISES FEAST OF FIRE
Oldham Council’s ‘Big Bang’ bonfire celebrations are returning for the sixth year and the free event planned to be the biggest and best yet.
Oldham Edge will again host the family-friendly event which this time promises a ‘Feast of Fire’ to light up the skies, above Oldham, on Thursday, November 2.
This year’s firework display is organised by ‘Fantastic Fireworks’, double winners of the British Fireworks Championship. They will be taking centre stage with a pulse-racing, choreographed display.
Headlining the event is Flame Oz, the UK’s premier fire act which has performed in more than 40 countries. They will be performing a spectacular ‘glow show’ display followed by a high energy fire dance and juggling extravaganza.
New to this year’s Big Bang are Raijin Storm whose ancient Japanese guardians will be drumming up thundering rhythms to delight and entrance audiences of all ages in a dynamic and interactive display.
Elliot Eastwick, popular local breakfast show DJ from our event partners Revolution 96.2, will guide the crowds through proceedings.
The Oldham Edge site will open from 5pm, starting with a funfair and food stalls, with the main event at 6pm.
Oldham Council is continuing the tradition of giving one lucky child the chance to push the button and launch a fireworks display that will be visible from every corner of our borough from around 7pm.
Councillor Jean Stretton, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “This is the sixth year that we’ve held the Big Bang in Oldham and once again we’ve lined up another stunning array of entertainment. The event is absolutely free, fun and safe for families and we can’t think of a better way to mark Bonfire Night. Don’t just turn up for the fireworks though – you can get on site from 5pm onwards to enjoy the
fairground and food stalls, plus an amazing stage show of fire and light.”
To enter your child in our free prize draw to start the firework display, simply visit The Big Bang webpage at www.oldham.gov.uk/bonfire.
All town centre car parks owned by Oldham Council will be free of charge from 3pm on the day.
The event – the local authority’s largest annual celebration – aims to discourage smaller groups of people from holding unsupervised bonfires which can put extreme pressure on emergency services. Plans are shared with Greater Manchester Police and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to help maximise public safety.
Some items – especially alcohol, sparklers and fireworks – are not permitted on site and will be confiscated. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Local weather will be closely monitored in the run-up to the event. If conditions are thought to pose any threat to public safety then some aspects could be cancelled.
NAME THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN AS THEY DRIVE BACK INTO OLDHAM…
It’s the end of an era in Oldham….After years of service keeping Oldham’s roads free of ice and snow gritters Freddie Salted; Grittersaurus; Goliath; Walter the Salter; Gritterbug; Gritney Spears; Gritanator and Thor have retired to the big depot in the sky.
In the course of their duties it is estimated that the incredible eight clocked up more than 1.2 million miles, more than five times the distance from the earth to the moon, keeping Oldham’s roads snow free. Roads cleared have including some of the highest in the region. In that time they have put down more than 20,000 tonnes of salt which is around the same weight as 5,000 Asian elephants.
Oldham are keeping the newest member of their fleet, Nicole Saltslinger, who is a favourite with residents and was named by children in a competition last year.
To ensure she doesn’t feel too alone the gritter will be joined this year by seven new gritters and Oldham Council are asking, once again, for young people to ‘prove their salt’ and come up with a name for each of them.
If you would like to take part in naming the gritters just visit www.oldham.gov.uk/nameagritter and leave your suggestions along with your details. You can send in one name or as many as you want, Oldham is hoping for an avalanche of entries.
Once the winning entries have been chosen the gritters will be branded with their new names. Winners will be invited to be photographed alongside the machine they have named.
The competition is open to all school age children aged 16 and under, who either live in Oldham or attend a school in the borough. The competition’s closing date for entries is noon on Sunday, October 22.
Councillor Fida Hussain, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “Over the years our fleet of gritters have provided a great service to the people of Oldham. But due to wear and tear the time has come to replace them so they, and their drivers, can continue to play a vital role in helping to keep the borough moving during cold spells.
“Every time we’ve run a similar competition it has been well received by members of the public. Last year from a single tweet more than 70,000 people engaged with us in one way or another and some of the suggestions we had were fantastic. We even took the silly suggestions with a pinch of salt. Although this has all been a bit of fun it has also helped teach our young people about road safety and how
we keep our roads safe in cold weather.”
To keep residents fully informed of any developments on Oldham’s roads, the Oldham Council website – www.oldham.gov.uk/winter will be updated continually and feature the latest news on school closures, gritting routes, locations of grit bins and grit sales.
The First Response service will use its Twitter account @oldhamalert to inform followers of school and road closures or incidents.
These will also be retweeted for residents using the Council’s account @oldhamcouncil and updates will appear via the local media.
OLDHAM TOWN CENTRE MASTERPLAN – CONSULTATION DATES ANNOUNCED
Oldham Council has announced a full schedule of dates and venues for the public consultation on its plans for a new look town centre.
An ambitious regeneration masterplan across five strategic sites was recently unveiled at a launch event in the Egyptian Room at the Old Town Hall and was seen by hundreds of people. The plans centre on significant areas of publicly-owned land where many sites are under-utilised or have buildings coming to the end of their economic life.
Totalling around 21 acres in size, these include Tommyfield Market, the Civic Centre, Oldham Police Station, the former Oldham Sports Centre and Oldham Magistrates’ Court, and the current Oldham Coliseum Theatre. The masterplan seeks to change Oldham town centre to match our aspirations for it to be an even more vibrant place with high-quality attractions, an excellent cultural and shopping offer and a night-time economy making it stand out as a destination in Greater Manchester and beyond.
The benefits will be the building of new homes, 55,000 square metres of new/refurbished employment space and economic activity worth an extra £50million each year to Oldham’s economy.
Residents, businesses and partners are all invited to attend any of the ‘drop in’ sessions announced today and view the proposals in a mini exhibition, submit comments and ask questions.
Jean Stretton, Oldham Council Leader, said: “This is our biggest-ever forward planning exercise for Oldham town centre and it’s all about making sure that it is a place that has a clear plan for the future. Our consultation launch event at the Egyptian Room was very well attended and produced valuable feedback.
“It’s also important we take these plans around the borough – giving as many audiences as possible the chance to see them, have their say and help us to get this right. That’s why we’re trying to ensure there are consultation opportunities in every district and convenient places for the public to access. Every one of us has a stake in the future of Oldham town centre so we are asking all residents, partners, businesses and visitors alike to do your bit and help us to shape these plans.”
The schedule of consultation dates* can be found on the Oldham Council website at www.oldham.gov.uk/masterplan – and more will be added soon. Residents can also visit this address to have their say about the plans online.
| DATE /TIME | DROP-IN EVENT VENUE |
| OCTOBER | |
| Wed 11 12-1.30pm |
Tommyfield Market |
| Thu 12 12-2pm |
Staff drop-in session at Oldham Civic Centre |
| Wed 18 10am-12noon |
Chadderton Market |
| Tue 24 10am – 1pm |
Crompton Library |
| Thu 26 10am – 12noon |
Shaw Market |
| NOVEMBER | |
| Wed 1 1-2pm |
Tommyfield Market |
| Thu 2 1.30 – 3pm |
Royton Market |
| Thursday 2 1.30 – 4pm |
Royton Town Hall |
| Tue 7 11am-1pm |
Tesco – Featherstall Road, Westwood |
| Wed 8 | Oldham Civic Centre* *Drop-in session for residents and councillors from 4pm prior to Full Council meeting at 6pm |
| Fri 10 11.30am – 1.30pm |
Egyptian Room, Old Town Hall, Parliament Square |
| Wed 15 12-2pm |
Failsworth Town Hall |
| Fri 24 11am – 1pm |
Chadderton Library and Wellbeing Centre |
| Thu 30 2-4pm |
Delph Library |
| DECEMBER | |
| Sat 2 11am – 2pm |
Brass Monkeys event – Oldham town centre* * Consultation in Egyptian Room, Old Town Hall, Parliament Square |
| Wed 6 1-3pm |
Uppermill Library |
| Thu 7 12-2pm |
Staff drop-in session at the Civic Centre |
| Mon 11 1-4pm |
Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre |
| Tue 12 10am – 12noon |
Greenfield Library |
| Wed 13 10am-12noon |
Lees Library |